If you asked I would tell you 1 in 3 of us have been subjected to sexual violence.
I would tell you it doesn’t have to define you.
I would tell you, it wasn’t your fault.
Don’t protest, it was definitely not your fault.
I’d tell you that blaming yourself absolves the perpetrator of responsibility,
I’d tell you it was their decision not yours.
I’d tell you that things can and often do get better.
I’d tell you 40 is better than 20.
Although you bones hurt more.
I’d tell you holding onto shame will eat you alive.
I’d tell you that anger can be positive.
I’d tell you, you don’t have to be nice to people who abuse you.
I’d tell you, you have way more power than think you do.
I’d tell you to stop concentrating on your flaws and see your beauty.
I’d tell you comparison is the thief of joy,
I’d tell you instagram quotes make me roll my eyes
I’d tell you that sometimes I struggle to get out of bed,
I’d tell you this is normal.
I’d tell you no-one can be happy, or motivated or “on it” 100% of the time.
I’d tell you that everyone, ever-y one, thinks it’s only them who struggles.
I’d tell you that work is not everything although you need to pay the bills.
I’d tell you that your teenage children, despite moaning and grumbling, wish you’d talk to them more but your phone gets in the way.
I’d tell you to warn them that jealousy is not romantic,
I’d tell you to warn them the way someone feels does not justify their behaviour,
I’d tell you to warn them that “trust issues” is code for domestic abuse.
I’d tell you that abuse thrives in secrecy.
I’d tell you we shouldn’t carry the shame for the actions of others.
I would tell you am the 1 in 3.
But you didn’t ask.